Review: Squarepusher - Hello Everything

With a discography spanning across almost a dozen albums, and numerous other EPs, Squarepusher, (the alias of Tom Jenkinson) is one of the more prolific artists signed to Warp Records, a label which, once purely focused on electronica, has lately become known for being home to an eclectic mix of sounds. Much like the career of Squarepusher.

On his newest release, Hello Everything, Squarepusher has created the best record to introduce someone to the world of Jenkinson's virtuosic-bass-playing, insane-drum-looping character. At 1.37 of 'Hello Meow', the album's opener, we're treated to what is vintage Squarepusher, sounding more like his earlier tracks from Big Loada, or Feed Me Weird Things, filled with erratic drum loops and jazz-influenced hooks. And while the middle third of the album feels somewhat out of place after the high-energy opening salvo, it allows listeners to appreciate all the aspects of Squarepusher's music.

Like label-mate Aphex Twin, Squarepusher's sound is one that is often difficult to define beyond the 'intelligent dance music' category that has been a catch-all term for just about any electronic artist on the Warp Label. But in Hello Everything, Squarepusher has created something that almost sounds like a 'best-of'. Recommended to new listeners and old fans alike.

Here's a live video of the lead track, 'Hello Meow', played at the London venue Koko: